Inverted Preform Cleaning via Air Blasting and Suction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for removing foreign matters from preforms, such as dust, often result in these materials re-entering the preform during the molding process due to the need for precise nozzle adjustments and inefficient air blasting techniques, especially when the preform is in an upright position.

Innovation Solution

The method involves transferring the preform in an inverted position with filtered air being blasted into the preform through the mouth portion while simultaneously sucking air from the side, utilizing both ionized and filtered air to effectively discharge foreign matters without the need for nozzle adjustments, using a conveying device and suction port members with a chute-like shape.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If air is blasted into the preform with the mouth portion facing up, then foreign matters can be discharged from the preform, but foreign matters rising to above the mouth portion can fall into the preform again through the mouth portion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforeign matter discharge efficiencyVSAvoidforeign matter re-entry prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The preform is inverted so that the mouth portion faces downward during the air blasting process. This inversion prevents foreign matters from re-entering the preform through the mouth portion, as gravity causes discharged foreign matters to fall away from the preform rather than back into it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Productivity

If the aperture of the air nozzle is adjusted in relation to the diameter of the mouth portion of the preform, then air blasting efficiency can be improved, but the device complexity and adjustment requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair blasting efficiencyVSAvoidnozzle adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The suction port member is designed with a chute-like shape that automatically guides foreign matters into the suction port without requiring precise adjustment of the air nozzle aperture. The system self-regulates the air flow path, eliminating the need for complex nozzle adjustments while maintaining high air blasting efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the position of the air nozzle is adjusted in relation to the position of the mouth portion of the preform, then foreign matter removal efficiency can be improved, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforeign matter removal efficiencyVSAvoidnozzle positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the preform position during processing, the system eliminates the need for complex nozzle positioning adjustments. The mouth portion facing downward configuration naturally directs foreign matters away from the preform, simplifying the operational setup while maintaining high removal efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The chute-like suction port member automatically positions itself relative to the air flow path, creating a self-aligning system that does not require manual adjustment of nozzle position. The geometry of the chute guides foreign matters into the suction port, making the system easy to operate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enhances the removal efficiency of foreign matters from the preform, reducing the likelihood of re-entry and eliminating the need for precise nozzle adjustments, resulting in a more reliable and efficient cleaning process.

Implementation Method 1

filtered air is blasted into the preform (1) through the mouth portion (2a) of the preform (1)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir blasting: Jet

Implementation Method 2

air is sucked from the side of the mouth portion (2a) of the preform (1)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 3

ionized air may be blasted into the preform (1) before the filtered air is blasted into the preform (1)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Data Source

PatentUS11104566B2Method of removing foreign matter from preform and apparatus for removing foreign matter from preform

Publication Date: 2021.08.31 DAI NIPPON PRINTING CO LTD

AI summary

To facilitate removal of foreign matters from a preform. The preform in an inverted position with a mouth portion thereof facing down is being continuously transferred, filtered air is blasted into the preform through the mouth portion of the preform, and at the same time, air is sucked from the side of the mouth portion of the preform. Foreign matters can be more easily discharged from the preform because of the flow of air and the weight of the foreign matters.